By eleven o'clock the next morning, we were fit to appear before the admiral, who received us very kindly, and requested our company to dinner.

As I did not intend setting off for home until I had received an answer from my mother, we, of course, accepted the invitation.
There was a large party of naval officers and ladies, and O'Brien amused them very much during dinner.

When the ladies left the room, the admiral's wife told me to come up with them; and when we arrived at the drawing-room, the ladies all gathered round me, and I had to narrate the whole of my adventures, which very much entertained and interested them.
The next morning I received a letter from my mother--such a kind one! entreating me to come home as fast as I could, and bring my _preserver_ O'Brien with me.

I showed it to O'Brien, and asked him whether he would accompany me.
"Why, Peter, my boy, I have a little business of some importance to transact; which is, to obtain my arrears of pay, and some prize-money which I find due.

When I have settled that point, I will go to town to pay my respects to the First Lord of the Admiralty, and then I think I will go and see your father and mother: for, until I know how matters stand, and whether I shall be able to go with spare cash in my pocket, I do not wish to see my own family; so write down your address here, and you'll be sure I'll come, if it is only to square my accounts with you, for I am not a little in your debt." I cashed a cheque sent by my father, and set off in the mail that night; the next evening I arrived safe home.